There are a lot of misconceptions among American liberals, progressives, and radicals about how the political process in the United States works. Most people feel that they are trapped in a system where they must choose between two political parties (Democrats and Republicans) if they want their vote to count. In fact, I will argue that voting for either of these political parties is the least effective thing you can do!

Myth #1Your vote for a D or R candidate will make a difference in the election outcome.

If you want to stop global warming then you need to know about the False Solution known as "Biomass Energy" (it produces CO2, methane, particulate matter, SO2, NOx, and other harmful impacts). The Energy Justice Network is building a network of activists fighting biomass incinerators and working for clean energy alternatives.

350.org just released this image counter that tracks how much the government is subsidizing fossil fuels. I am not sure if this amount is just the federal government or if it includes the states as well.

This doesn't include subsidies for other forms of dirty energy including biomass incinerators, landfill gas, trash incinerators, and other incinerators (tire, poultry waste, etc).

I had heard rumors of a big mobilization for the anti-WTO protest in Seattle, but I had ignored them and Seattle was very far from Notre Dame (and I was cheap). Also I was trying to complete my course work on time (ahem!). However for the first time I could follow everything online with Seattle Indymedia's radio station!

The Quebec Student General Strike is now in its 13th week as students oppose proposed dramatic increases in tuition. Quebec students have the lowest tuition in Canada and also have the most active and radical student movement. Today the conservative Quebec government just announced that it was closing the colleges and universities on strike until August as negotiations with the students were unsuccessful.